Abstract: A knife assembly for use in a food cutting apparatus includes a compression ring adapted for threaded engagement with a base ring. The compression ring includes a threaded collar that tapers thinner towards its leading edge. The blade support ring tapers thinner towards a leading edge of the support ring sidewall. The blade support ring includes a sidewall having a plurality of blade second end receiving slots. At least two blades are connected at their first ends to a central cutter element and at their second ends to the blade support ring. As the compression ring engages the base ring, the advancing and opposing surfaces of the tapered sidewall of the compression ring and the tapered sidewall of the blade support ring cooperate imparting a compressive force against the ends of the blades, securing the blade with respect to the compression ring and the cutter element.

Abstract: An audible alert device includes a pulse width modulated signal generator. The audible alert device and method for manufacturing the audible alert device also provides resonant frequency and decibel peaking capabilities. Resonant frequency and decibel peaking routines may conducted at the time of manufacture, upon startup of the alarm or during operation of the alarm. The audible alert device may be programmed during a manufacturing step to exhibit a selected operation mode so that one circuit may be manufactured and programmed to operate in any of a number of operation modes or device configurations. A programming station allows an audible alert device to be programmed during a manufacturing step to exhibit a selected operation mode. Programming may occur by connection of the audible alert device to the programming device by one or more audible alert device power conductors.

Abstract: An electronic assembly may be contained in a label that performs time-temperature integration (TTI) and indicates that time and/or temperature levels have been reached that may compromise the quality, shelf life, or safety of the item to which the label is affixed. The label may be used on a wide variety of objects that require careful handling in terms of temperature and/or time elapsed before use. The labeling system includes circuitry that measures and calculates, and indictor(s) that signal that the time has come for discounted sale, and, later, that the time has come for disposal rather than sale. Optionally, the circuitry may act as an “over-temperature alarm” system, to measure, calculate, and indicate when a one-time temperature violation has occurred that is of such a magnitude that the item is immediately considered compromised or spoiled. The label may take the form of a flexible, disposable label that is typically powered by a small battery.

Abstract: An auto-advancing pipe installation device and a method for laying consecutive lengths of bell and spigot pipe. The auto-advancing pipe installation device installs sequential lengths of pipe in a trench. The auto-advancing pipe installation device includes a locomotion system adapted for advancing engagement within the trench, a pipe feed system, a pipe alignment system and a pipe joining system. The pipe feed system positions a pipe length on a forward section of the pipe alignment system. The pipe alignment system aligns the forward pipe length with a rearward pipe length positioned in a pipe alignment system rearward section. The pipe joining system applies a force to a first end of the forward pipe length as a pipe restraint applies a restraining force against the rearward pipe length, joining the forward and rearward pipe lengths.